Combined force of Missouri troops and Regular U.S. Army (approx. 1,700) [US]; State Guard
Troops [CS]

Estimated Casualties:

81 total (US 31; CS 50)

Description:

Claiborne Jackson, the pro-Southern Governor of Missouri, wanted the state to secede and join the
Confederacy. Union Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon set out to put down Jackson’s Missouri State Guard, commanded
by Sterling Price. Reaching Jefferson City, the state capital, Lyon discovered that Jackson and Price had retreated
towards Boonville. Lyon reembarked on steamboats, transported his men to below Boonville, marched to the
town, and engaged the enemy. In a short fight, Lyon dispersed the Confederates, commanded on the field by Col.
John S. Marmaduke, and occupied Boonville. This early victory established Union control of the Missouri River
and helped douse attempts to place Missouri in the Confederacy.

Results:

Union victory

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